Skyler Mornhinweg confirms he'll play at Florida

Skyler Mornhinweg, who starred at St. Joseph's Prep, backed out of his oral commitment to Penn State. (DAVID MAIALETTI / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

BY TED SILARY, silaryt@phillynews.com

Posted: January 31, 2012

SKYLER MORNHINWEG is confident Penn State's football program will rise above the recent mess and return to national prominence.

Although he can't offer a timetable, he does know he won't be part of the bounce-back.

Confirming information that became public in backdoor fashion Friday, Mornhinweg, the star quarterback from St. Joseph's Prep and the son of Marty Mornhinweg, the Eagles' offensive coordinator, said last night he will sign a national letter of intent with Florida tomorrow.

He made an oral commitment to Penn State last summer (after making one to Stanford even before his sophomore season).

"It was a hard choice to look away from Penn State. I know they're going to have success," Mornhinwg said by cellphone. "I just feel the best move for me is to go to Florida."

The 6-3, 215-pound Mornhinweg made his official visit this past weekend.

"I had an opportunity to meet all the players. It's really a great group of guys," he said. "There's a strong feeling of team, and it's exciting to know I'll be part of that.

"I also love the offense the head coach [Will Muschamp] is installing with the help of coach Pease [Brent, quarterbacks and offensive coordinator]. It puts the focus on the quarterback and, as long as I do the work, I feel it'll be a great fit for me.

"Another positive about going to Florida is that I'll get to compete in the Southeastern Conference. Great football."

Mornhinweg, a 3-year QB starter, passed for 4,859 yards (No. 5 total in city history) and 52 touchdowns in his Prep career. He added 17 rushing scores and two on returns, and was also a 4-year starter at defensive back.

He said he'll spend the summer in Florida, taking classes and preparing for football.

"I'm excited about going right down there after baseball and graduation," he said. "It's going to be a great 4 years for me."